FDA's AMS drops the 'grass fed' marketing claim standard

[kalibex]

On January 12, 2016, the Agricultural Marketing Service withdrew the Grass (Forage) Fed Claim for Ruminant Livestock and the Meat Products Derived from Such Livestock (Grass (Forage) Fed Marketing Claim Standard)”. A copy of the standard will remain on the website for reference; however, AMS will no longer verify applicant’s programs to the Standard.

Supposedly the standard (in place since about 2006) was not that well enforced, but this change really puts the onus on the consumer to go out and research and verify that whatever standard a particular producer is using is good enough. How many shoppers will just take the easy way out, taking any 'grassfed' label on a package of meat as legitimate?

That said, private certifiers will continue to develop and maintain their own standards.